Both the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G give you an AMOLED display, IP67 water resistance and a 50MP main camera — so what actually justifies the price gap? Mostly performance and charging speed. Here's the honest breakdown.
| Feature | Galaxy A26 5G | Galaxy A36 5G |
|---|---|---|
| AZ Electronics price | £184.99 | £220.00 |
| Display | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| RAM / Storage (AZ stock) | 6GB / 128GB | 6GB / 128GB |
| Rear camera | 50MP OIS + 8MP UW + 2MP macro | 50MP OIS + 8MP UW + 5MP macro |
| Charging | 25W | 45W (66% in 30 min) |
| Durability | IP67 | IP67 |
| Best for | Tightest budget, same core experience | Faster performance, quicker charging |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
The headline difference: chipset and charging speed
Both phones share the same size AMOLED screen, the same IP67 rating and a very similar camera setup. The real gap is under the hood: the Galaxy A36 5G's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a genuinely faster, more efficient chipset than the A26 5G's Exynos 1380 — noticeable in gaming, multitasking and general day-to-day snappiness. The A36 5G also charges almost twice as fast (45W vs 25W), reaching roughly 66% in 30 minutes versus a much slower top-up on the A26 5G.
Buy the Galaxy A26 5G if…
- You want the lowest possible price for an AMOLED, IP67-rated Samsung phone
- Charging speed and raw gaming performance aren't priorities for you
- Your daily use is messaging, social media, streaming and browsing
Buy the Galaxy A36 5G if…
- You want noticeably faster performance for gaming or heavier multitasking
- Quick top-up charging matters to your daily routine
- You're happy to pay £35 more for a meaningfully better chipset
Our verdict
For most everyday buyers, the £35 step up to the Galaxy A36 5G is worth it — the faster chipset and near-double charging speed are things you'll notice every single day, not just on a spec sheet. Only go for the A26 5G if you're working to a genuinely tight budget and don't game or multitask heavily on your phone.
FAQ
Is the Galaxy A36 5G worth the extra £35 over the A26 5G?
For most buyers, yes — the faster chipset and 45W charging are noticeable day-to-day improvements.
Do both phones have the same camera?
Nearly — both use a 50MP OIS main sensor and 8MP ultrawide; the A36 5G adds a slightly better 5MP macro lens versus the A26's 2MP.
Are both IP67 rated?
Yes, both offer the same dust and water resistance.
Which charges faster?
The Galaxy A36 5G, at 45W versus the A26 5G's 25W.
See the full Galaxy A26 5G buyer's guide or the Galaxy A36 5G buyer's guide for full specs and details. Browse the full range in our Samsung Phones collection.